Description:
Trader Vic's Beverly Hills is the tiki palace of the City of the Angels (in my opinion). Tikis abound both inside and out, the myriad of tiki concoctions are served in a variety of tiki mugs and tiki bowls and the decor and vibe are some of the best remaining examples of Polynesian pop.

At the entrance, an 8 foot tall tiki next to the extended A frame entrance welcome the tiki worshiper. A dramatic bamboo inspired light fixture dangles inside the A frame. Large polynesian designs decorate the exterior and the neon Trader Vic's script dominates the busy intersection of Wilshire & Santa Monica. It is a facade worthy of Trader Vic's (unlike the San Francisco location).

Inside there are approximately one dozen tiki poles. Most face the walk way, not the bar, so be sure and enter the bar the long way.

The best boths are the those next the entrance and in the rear of the bar, where the tikis face into the booths.

The walls are covered in tapa barkcloth, which provide an overall South Pacific tiki feel.

The ceiling is lovely and dramatic palm thacthed ceiling, which reaches the apex in the middle. An abundance of nautical flotsom, including several straw canoes, is suspended from the ceiling.

The lounge is dimly lit and very elegant, with cozy leather booths and a beautiful polished wood bartop. The waitstaff, comprised primarily of older Asian men, are all clad in Hawaiian shirts and are very gracious. Mixed nuts and votive candles align the bar (although the tiki candles in the SF Trader Vic's are noticeable absent).

The trademark $11 Kamaania, served in a souvenir ceramic cocunut with the Trader Vic's logo is available and is a necessity for any respectable tiki mug collection.

My favorite libation is the $11 Samoan Fogcutter, served in a large tiki mug (available for purchase at the Emmeryville location, but sadly not here).

For the wahinee, I recommend the $ 17 Tiki Bowl (for 2), which is served with a fragrant Gardenia blossom, to be worn over the ear.

Pupus are available - there is a very large selection, which average approximately $13 and are very tasty.

Dinner is served in the lounge for an elegant tiki dinning experience, as the decor in the main restaurant features integrates more of a nautical theme. Although there is a lush patio, it is only for viewinng, there is no outside dining.

The menu is also extensive and includes $18 for Sweet & Sour chicken, $23 for BBQ pizza or $25 for Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi-Mahi.

The crowd is varied and all ages, including men in suits, couples on dates and women stopping in after shopping. It also tends to attract parties of the 90210 crowd. It can get hopping on the weekend.

The Tiki Gods have kind for keeping Trader Vics and his polynesian palace (atleast in the lounge) living amongst us.

The bar lounge of the Beverly Hills location has been lovingly maintained and does not disappoint.

Not sure if anyone has had a chance yet to read today's L.A. Times: (from the April 7 06 edition):
http://www.calendarlive.com/nightlife/cl-et-vics7apr07,0,2536244.story?coll=cl-home-more-channels
Discusses efforts to save Trader Vic's Beverly Hills. Since the link does not appear to work, try copying the entire url into a new browser window. Otherwise, you can also go to calendarlive.com and search for trader vic.

Trader Vic's Beverly Hills August 11 2006 sundown. I'm wondering how much longer this will be here. I have asked permission to photograph the interior and the management was supportive of what i was doing. I'm really going to miss this place, sigh. I wanted to attend Bongo & Mrs Fury's party at the new Rincon but I was committed to a boat race in Long Beach. Instead, I decided to document the International Tiki Day eve at Trader Vic's, Tiki Ti's & Purple Orchid on the LA Tiki trail. I meant to make it to the Tonga but couldn't this trip.

Just got back from T.V. It's still going strong. Alfie, the bartender in the blue shirt above, thinks it's another 2 to 3 years before they close. He gave me one of those mai tai glasses and a shot glass with T.V. logo on it..yeah...

Went there on Saturday night and the Mai Tais were as tasty as ever. We sat in the bar and had a lovely and hilarious waitress who, when my friend ordered a suffering bastard, said "served by a suffering bitch" and curtseyed. It's a classic joke and I always laugh at it.
_________________- strictly on the kini popo -

I live in So Cal, and the local paper had an article last week saying some company was buying the Trader Vic's property and it's days were definately numbered. Better go there before it's too late! Sorry!!

They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot
With a pink hotel, a boutique
And a swinging hot spot
Dont it always seem to go
That you dont know what youve got
Till its gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot

They took all the trees
Put em in a tree museum
And they charged the people
A dollar and a half just to see em
Dont it always seem to go
That you dont know what youve got
Till its gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot

Hey farmer farmer
Put away that d.d.t. now
Give me spots on my apples
But leave me the birds and the bees
Please!
Dont it always seem to go
That you dont know what youve got
Till its gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot

Late last night
I heard the screen door slam
And a big yellow taxi
Took away my old man
Dont it always seem to go
That you dont know what youve got
Till its gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot